Valdes says in an open letter released by the Catalan club that “the moment has arrived to say goodbye”.

Valdes announced in January that he would be leaving his boyhood club come season end. He has not played since March when he suffered a season-ending ligament tear in his right knee that required surgery.

The 32-year-old Spanish international thanked several members of the club, with special mentions for former coaches Louis Van Gaal, Frank Rijkaard, Pep Guardiola, and Tito Vilanova.

Valdes helped Barcelona win three Champions League crowns among various other trophies.

Barcelona can give Valdes a seventh Spanish league title if it beats Atletico Madrid on Saturday. – Sapa-AP